Early childhood trauma threatens long-term health
From addiction to diabetes, heart disease and lung cancer, numerous studies have shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — which include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction – can have lifelong negative impacts on the health of a child and the adult they become.
ACEs Aware Ventura County
ACEs Aware Ventura County is modeled after a state-wide initiative focused on educating and training primary care physicians, like pediatricians, to screen for ACEs for children (and adults) enrolled in Medi-Cal. The long-term goal of both the local and statewide initiative is to improve the health and well-being of children and adults impacted by ACEs through screening, education, and treatment.
Through our Help Me Grow (HMG) initiative, we help design resource and referral pathways, develop educational materials, and serve as a coordination hub for pediatricians to refer families of young children who need navigation and linkage support.
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is California’s first surgeon general and internationally known for linking ACEs and toxic stress with harmful effects to health later in life. Watch Dr. Burke Harris’ overview of her work with ACEs in this TED Talk video.
Visit the “Learn the Signs. Act Early” initiative of The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to learn about Early Developmental Milestones.
2-1-1 Resource and Referral Line
From childcare and housing support to food distribution sites, health insurance enrollment, and more, anyone can call 2-1-1 any time of day or night for information linking them to local social service resources. A live operator will connect the caller with information that matches their needs. Any family with a child under five will also be linked to their local First 5 Neighborhood for Learning. 2-1-1 is based in Camarillo and funded in part by First 5 Ventura County.
